Waters Xevo TQD Triple Quadrupole Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (Refurbished)
| Brand | Waters |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | Xevo TQD |
| Instrument Type | Tandem Quadrupole (QqQ) |
| Mass Range | 10–3000 Da |
| Sensitivity | S/N ≥ 100:1 (1 pg reserpine, ESI+) |
| Resolution | 0.5–0.7 Da (FWHM) |
| Mass Accuracy | ±0.1 Da |
Overview
The Waters Xevo TQD is a high-performance, refurbished triple quadrupole liquid chromatography mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) engineered for robust, high-throughput quantitative analysis in regulated and research environments. Operating on the principle of tandem mass spectrometry—where precursor ions are selected in Q1, fragmented in a collision cell (Q2), and product ions are analyzed in Q3—the Xevo TQD delivers exceptional selectivity, sensitivity, and reproducibility for targeted quantitation. Its architecture integrates seamlessly with ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) systems, enabling precise detection of narrow chromatographic peaks (2–3 s width) without sacrificing data fidelity. Designed for routine application across pharmaceutical QC, clinical toxicology, environmental monitoring, and food safety laboratories, the system supports compliance-critical workflows while maintaining operational simplicity and long-term reliability.
Key Features
- Triple quadrupole mass analyzer with unit-mass resolution and configurable collision energy for optimized MRM transitions
- T-Wave™ collision cell technology ensures efficient fragmentation and high transmission efficiency across diverse compound classes
- Universal ion source platform supporting rapid interchange between ESI, APCI, and APPI—no tools or realignment required
- Integrated UPLC compatibility with sub-second dwell times and >1000 MRM transitions per run
- Enhanced stability via active temperature control of critical optics and vacuum stages, minimizing drift during extended acquisitions
- Refurbishment includes full OEM-certified recalibration, detector replacement (if warranted), and comprehensive performance verification against Waters’ factory specifications
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Xevo TQD accommodates complex biological matrices (plasma, urine, tissue homogenates), environmental extracts (water, soil), and formulated products (pharmaceuticals, pesticides, food additives). It meets analytical requirements defined in major pharmacopoeial and regulatory frameworks—including USP , EP 2.2.46, and ICH Q2(R2) for method validation—and supports audit-ready operation under GLP and GMP conditions. Data integrity is reinforced through optional 21 CFR Part 11-compliant software configurations, including electronic signatures, audit trails, and secure user access controls.
Software & Data Management
Instrument control and data processing are managed via Waters MassLynx™ software suite, comprising:
- InliStart™: Automated system suitability checks and calibration verification prior to sample injection
- Quanpedia™: Rule-based MRM method generation with auto-optimization of cone voltage, collision energy, and dwell time
- QCMonitor™: Real-time deviation alerts based on user-defined thresholds for peak area, retention time, or signal-to-noise ratio
- TargetLynx™: Fully automated integration, calibration curve fitting (linear/log-linear), and report generation with ISO/IEC 17025-aligned uncertainty estimation
- TrendPlot™: Longitudinal performance visualization across days, weeks, or months—supporting preventive maintenance scheduling and instrument qualification
All software modules operate within a validated computing environment and support raw data export in open formats (e.g., .raw, .mzML) for third-party reprocessing.
Applications
The Xevo TQD excels in applications demanding high specificity and low detection limits:
- Pharmaceutical bioanalysis: PK/PD studies, metabolite identification support, impurity profiling
- Clinical diagnostics: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), newborn screening, steroid hormone quantification
- Environmental analysis: Pesticide residue testing, PFAS quantification, pharmaceuticals in wastewater
- Food safety: Mycotoxin surveillance, veterinary drug residues, allergen marker detection
- Forensic toxicology: Multi-analyte screening of drugs of abuse and novel psychoactive substances (NPS)
FAQ
Is this instrument fully refurbished and performance-verified?
Yes—each unit undergoes Waters-authorized refurbishment, including vacuum system overhaul, ion optic cleaning/replacement, detector rejuvenation, and full mass calibration using certified standards. A Certificate of Performance Verification accompanies shipment.
Does the system include original software licenses and documentation?
All units ship with valid, transferable MassLynx software licenses (v4.2 or later), complete electronic documentation, and OEM service manuals. Optional extended support contracts are available.
Can the Xevo TQD be upgraded to support newer ion sources or interfaces?
The universal source architecture accepts all Waters-compatible ion sources released up to 2020, including the ESCi™ dual-mode source and the UniSpray™ ionization probe, subject to hardware revision compatibility.
What level of technical support is provided post-purchase?
Standard offering includes 12 months of remote application and hardware support from certified Waters Field Service Engineers, plus priority response for critical issues.
Are installation and qualification services available?
Yes—IQ/OQ protocols compliant with ASTM E2500 and Annex 11 are available upon request, along with on-site installation, system verification, and operator training.
